“Let all things be done decently and in order” (I Cor. 14:40)

by Dr. Ronnie Williams

Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Ft. Worth Texas

A “written missions policy for the local church” was one of several timely workshop topics considered at the annual meeting of the BIMI Action Committee this year. The workshop on missions policy explored the merits of written guidelines for local church missions ministry. It was found that only one in six pastors present actually had such a policy in place, though all valued the merits of such a document. General consensus was given to the following components recommended for inclusion in a written policy:

a) Missionary Support - A missions policy should set forth the criterion for approval of a missionary for support. Doctrinal soundness, call, spiritual gifts, personal qualifications, ministry experience, and ministry objectives were included in the recommendations. A policy statement might also set forth the value of a sound missionary board to provide stateside support to the candidate’s international ministry. A board’s role in screening, preparing and providing accountability for the missionary was seen as important. Guidelines for the selection of a missions board included doctrinal conformity, stability and track record, and acceptance of local church authority.

Support is sometimes called into question when a missionary changes boards, fields, or doctrine. The workshop discussion indicated that guidelines for such circumstances should call for a personal interview and prayer with the missionary. The field director and others close to the matter should be consulted for background and input. Each case should be considered individually and prayerfully.

b) A Church Missions Committee - Few standing committees are found in the traditional independent Baptist church. Only one of the workshop pastors reported such a body for missions purposes - a Missions Council. A missions policy might require participants for such a group be selected by recommendation of the church membership, screened by existing council members for their missions support and involvement, and recommended to the church for final selection to three-year rotating terms. The council or committee should serve as an advisory body to the pastor for approval of missionaries for support, to evaluate and authorize investment in special projects, and to provide leadership in planning and executing the annual missions conference. This counsel or committee should augment pastoral leadership of the church’s missions ministry; it cannot replace it.

c) Retiring Missionaries - The issue of a policy for the support of retiring missionaries is of growing concern among independent churches. The workshop offered the following suggestions: (1) Young missionaries should develop and implement a retirement plan early. BIMI has such a plan in place for existing personnel and those newly approved for missionary service. (2) Retiring missionaries should meet with their home pastor and field director to candidly discuss their retirement plans and needs. Open and honest communication between the missionary and his supporting churches was felt to be essential. (3) Following such discussions and the missionary’s formal announcement of retirement, home pastors of retiring missionaries can be encouraged to write the missionary’s supporting churches requesting whatever level of continued support is deemed necessary or appropriate. Some in the workshop recommended continuing at one-half support in retirement. (4) Also, it was felt important that the mission itself assist as a liaison for the missionary with the supporting churches. The field director should write a letter of explanation to supporting pastors on behalf of the missionary. Articles explaining retirement issues in mission publications were also recommended.

The autonomy of the local church is the singular principle unanimously held by independent Baptists. A church missions policy should be locally developed and approved to assist a missionary church and see that “all things be done decently and in order” (I Cor. 14:40).

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Jonathon & Mandy Crews -  BRAZIL
Joel C & Brooke Daku -  KIRIBATI
Paul W & Martha Daku -  FIJI ISLANDS